You are probably aware that most public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education. This means that international students, including Georgians, can often study in Germany without paying tuition fees. However, living expenses are unavoidable. The German government estimates that Georgian students need a minimum of 11,904 Euros per year (992 Euros per month) to cover their living costs in Germany.
This isn't a suggestion, it's a requirement! This financial proof is a mandatory part of the German student visa application. Without demonstrating access to these funds, your visa application will be rejected, preventing you from studying in Germany.
So, how can you secure the necessary funds? There are several options available, and one excellent path is through a DAAD scholarship. And yes, you read that right – Georgian students are eligible for various DAAD scholarships!
This article will guide you through the funding opportunities offered by DAAD specifically for Georgian students, with a particular focus on DAAD study scholarships for both Master's and Bachelor's degrees.
It is our goal to inform you honestly and accurately, therefore, we need to add a disclaimer:
This article is for general information only and cannot replace your own research. We, therefore, exclude any liability and highly recommend always double-checking the information on the official DAAD web pages and with the official local DAAD representatives in Georgia.
Overview
The German Academic Exchange Service, widely known as DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst), stands as the premier scholarship provider for international students seeking to pursue their education in Germany.
With its guiding principle "Change through Exchange," DAAD facilitates educational opportunities for both German students aiming to study abroad and international students, including those from Georgia, aspiring to study in Germany. Headquartered in Bonn and with a secondary office in Berlin, DAAD maintains an extensive global presence. This includes a network of 20 Regional Offices and 37 Information Centers spread across about 50 countries worldwide. For example, in Georgia, there is a DAAD Regional Office in Tbilisi.
DAAD offers an array of scholarships, encompassing funding options for undergraduate and graduate studies, doctoral research, language courses, and more. As of 2024, DAAD administers 86 distinct scholarship programs, each with its own set of application procedures and requirements. This article specifically addresses DAAD scholarships available to Georgian students for Bachelor's and Master's programs in Germany. These merit-based scholarships are designed to fully cover the living expenses of Georgian students during their stay in Germany.
Eligibility
The prospect of obtaining a full scholarship that covers all your living expenses in Germany is undoubtedly appealing, isn't it? You might be wondering, "Are Georgian students eligible for DAAD scholarships?" The simple answer is yes! As a Georgian student, you are indeed eligible for DAAD scholarships.
However, it's essential to understand the nuances of DAAD's offerings. As of 2024, Georgian students have access to a select pool of 25 DAAD scholarships. Among these, 9 are tailored specifically for those, who would like to pursue a degree in Germany, excluding doctoral programs. It's worth highlighting that these particular scholarships focus exclusively on Master's (graduate) level studies. In the upcoming sections, we'll provide a detailed breakdown of these 9 scholarships, including crucial information for potential applicants. But before we delve into the graduate-level opportunities, let's first explore the landscape for Georgian undergraduates aspiring to study in Germany through DAAD support.
Geeky Stuff Box
The 2023 DAAD Annual Report indicates that Georgia, a small country with under 4 million population, is one of the top 30 countries globally, out of over 180, in terms of the number of students awarded DAAD scholarships. This highlights the strong educational ties between Germany and Georgia and the high regard Georgian students have for DAAD programs.
In 2023, an impressive total of 667 Georgian students were granted DAAD funding across various scholarship categories. Interestingly, when talking about the "East Europe, Central Asia and South Caucasus" regional unit of the DAAD, in that same year, Georgia was the number one destination for DAAD scholarship holders from Germany.
DAAD Scholarship for Bachelors in Germany for Georgia
As previously mentioned, there is currently no DAAD scholarship specifically for Georgian students wishing to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Germany. However, if you're an undergraduate student from Georgia, there's an alternative non-degree opportunity: a summer course funded by DAAD. Here are the details about this program:
Table 1: DAAD Scholarships for undergraduate Georgians
*Regularly check the application deadlines, as they are updated annually.
This table shows that although there isn't a dedicated DAAD scholarship for Georgian Bachelor's degree seekers, Georgian undergraduates can still access DAAD funding for a summer course. Actually, participating in this program can enhance your prospects when applying for a DAAD Master's scholarship, as detailed in the next section.
It's also important to note that while current opportunities are limited, this situation may change, and new options might arise. We suggest keeping an eye on the DAAD scholarship database for the latest updates and new openings.
DAAD Scholarship for Masters in Germany for Georgia
When it comes to pursuing a graduate degree in Germany, Georgian students have access to a variety of DAAD scholarship opportunities. Below is a detailed list of all DAAD master's scholarships available to students from Georgia:
Table 2: Master's Scholarships for Georgia
*The list is ordered in the exact way as presented on the DAAD Funding Guide website.
**Regularly check the application deadlines, as they are updated annually.
***This is not an officially stated requirement by the given DAAD program. It is a recommendation from MyGU.
****EPOS scholarship finances specific study programs from specific universities. Here is the list for the 2025/2026 intake.
*****Helmut-Schmidt-Programme finances specific study programs from specific universities. Here is the list for the 2025/2026 intake.
As the table vividly shows, Georgian students who want to do their master's in Germany can find a relevant full DAAD scholarship to completely cover their living costs during their studies. These scholarships span a wide array of disciplines, from Political Science to Information Technology (IT), providing opportunities for students from diverse fields to benefit from this funding.
DAAD Scholarship Georgia: Requirements
As noted above, in general, DAAD scholarships are different in their intention, target, admission requirements, application procedures, etc. The same is also true specifically for the DAAD study scholarships for Georgians - all of them are different, with distinct requirements and procedures. Despite this, based on our research, we can still provide you with the list of key requirements and eligibility criteria that Georgian students will most probably have to meet in order to qualify for the DAAD study scholarships.
List of DAAD requirements for Georgia:
- Education gap. Your previous academic degree should not be older than 6 years at the time of the application deadline. Note: Usually, DAAD does not have any age limits.
- State of residence. You cannot apply if you have resided in Germany for more than 15 months by the application deadline.
- Language skills. Your command of English or/and German should be in line with the requirements set out by your desired study program in Germany.
- Academic performance. Although usually not explicitly mentioned, your GPA should at least be "GOOD", aka 2.5 according to the German system.
DO NOT FORGET: In order to come to Germany and pursue a degree with a DAAD scholarship, you need to also meet all of the requirements of the specific study program you are applying to. Hence. in addition to checking the DAAD website, you also need to get well acquainted with the respective pages of the study course(s) you want to enroll at.
Advice Box
Even if it is not always specifically listed in the requirements, a rich extracurricular portfolio (e.g., internships, volunteerships, participation in projects, trainings, etc.) helps applicants to significantly improve their chances of winning the DAAD scholarship.
Application Documents
Now that you understand the DAAD requirements, let's delve into another crucial question: What documents do Georgians need to apply for a DAAD scholarship? While the specifics can vary depending on the DAAD program, there are some common documents that are generally required for most DAAD scholarship applications.
DAAD checklist for Georgia:
- Online application form: DAAD provides a user-friendly application form that must be completed in full by the applicant.
- Academic certificates: This includes your Bachelor's degree certificate and secondary school completion certificate.
- Academic transcript: If your transcript of records doesn't explain the grading system, include a separate document detailing it.
- Language proficiency proof: Recent (typically less than 2 years old) English (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) and/or German (e.g., TestDaf, DSH) language certificates.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A tabular CV/Resume without unexplained gaps.
- Letter of Motivation: A compelling 1-3 page letter explaining your motivation for the scholarship.
- Recommendation Letter: A reference letter from a professor or employer.
Important considerations:
- Documents not in English or German require (certified) translations.
- Ensure your application is complete and properly formatted. Missing elements (even signatures) can lead to disqualification. Carefully check the specific requirements of your chosen scholarship program.
- You don't need an admission letter from a German university to apply for the DAAD scholarship. DAAD scholarships are typically pre-admission, meaning you apply for DAAD funding before applying to your desired Bachelor's or Master's program in Germany.
How to apply for a DAAD scholarship from Georgia?
You might have guessed that there isn't a single set of steps for Georgian students that applies to every DAAD scholarship. However, there are SEVEN key steps Georgians need to know to apply for and win a DAAD scholarship.
DAAD Application Process for Georgia:
- Find the scholarship: Start by visiting the DAAD scholarship database and use the website's filters to narrow down your scholarship options.
- Check eligibility: Once you've found a scholarship that aligns with your interests and goals, ensure you meet the basic formal requirements listed under "Application Requirements" on the DAAD database.
- Collect the documents: Refer to the "Application Procedure" section on the DAAD database for a list of required documents. Important: Certify and translate the documents as needed.
- Submit the application: Most applications are submitted online via the DAAD portal. However, some scholarships may have diverse submission procedures, such as requiring direct application to the academic program (e.g., Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship).
- Wait for the response from DAAD: This can take several months. If your first-stage application is successful, DAAD will contact you and invite you to the second stage of the application process.
- Complete the second stage: The second stage varies depending on the scholarship. For instance, it may involve submitting additional documents or an interview (e.g., Study Scholarships—Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines).
- Wait for the final results: After completing the second stage, it may take a few months for DAAD to finalize the list of selected scholarship recipients. They will then inform you whether you have been awarded the scholarship.
DAAD Selection Criteria for Georgia
Understanding the selection criteria and process is crucial for refining your application and setting realistic expectations. Here are the key DAAD selection criteria for Georgian students:
- Academic Performance: very good GPA significantly boosts your chances of winning the scholarship.
- Motivation: your letter of motivation is a critical component of your application. Craft it carefully to clearly express your goals and reasons for applying.
- Extracurricular Activities: in your CV, highlight relevant experiences such as internships, workshops, training programs, publications, or volunteer work. These demonstrate your well-rounded profile and commitment to your field.
While all parts of your application matter, excelling in these specific areas can substantially strengthen your candidacy for a DAAD scholarship. Remember, the selection process aims to identify not just academically solid candidates, but those who show potential for future leadership and contribution to their field of study.
DAAD Scholarship Georgia: Deadline & When to Apply
Georgian students should apply for the DAAD scholarship as early as possible!
It's crucial to understand that application deadlines for DAAD scholarships vary depending on the specific funding program. Therefore, it's essential to regularly check the relevant program pages for the latest information. PRO TIP: For Georgian applicants, DAAD deadlines are usually in autumn.
To ensure a seamless application process, we strongly advise starting your DAAD application preparations at least 2 months prior to the scholarship deadline. This buffer ensures you have sufficient time to collect and organize all necessary documents.
In general, applying for a DAAD scholarship can be a lengthy process. In fact, the total DAAD processing time for Georgian students is around 6 months. Factoring in at least 1 month for application preparation, you might dedicate approximately 7 months to the entire DAAD scholarship application journey. Therefore, meticulous planning is essential to commence your studies in Germany with a DAAD scholarship on schedule.
To illustrate this planning aspect, consider the following example: if you aim to begin your Master's studies in Germany with a DAAD scholarship in October 2026, you should start your DAAD application around August 2025. Thus, if you are targeting a DAAD scholarship, preparation for studying in Germany starts more than a year before the actual studies.
Is it hard to win a DAAD scholarship?
Winning a DAAD scholarship is a quite difficult endeavour, and this applies to applicants from Georgia as well. Why is that so? Because this is one of Germany's most esteemed and competitive funding programs. According to our 2023 research, the acceptance rate for DAAD scholarships among Georgians is around 10%. This means that out of every 100 applicants, only a handful manage to secure DAAD funding. A common reason for rejection includes a low GPA and a weak academic profile, highlighting the importance of a strong academic record.
Therefore, even if you meet all the basic DAAD eligibility criteria and carefully complete your application, there is still a chance that it will not be successful. Thus, getting a DAAD scholarship is quite a competitive process for Georgian applicants.
DAAD Georgia: Contact
As previously noted, DAAD has a local presence in Georgia. Specifically, there is a DAAD Regional Office located in Tbilisi, which is also responsible for Armenia and Azerbaijan. Besides, there are also "DAAD Lektors" in Georgia, who can provide Georgian students with valuable information about studying and scholarships in Germany. We strongly advise contacting the DAAD representatives in Georgia if you have any inquiries or require tailored guidance. Below are the contact details for the Tbilisi Regional Office:
BONUS: List of all DAAD scholarships for Georgia (2024)
*The list is ordered in the exact way as presented on the DAAD Funding Guide website.
**Regularly check the application deadlines, as they are updated annually.
***Here is the 2023/2024 list of GSSP participating graduate schools.


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